Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6248934
Gene trap vectors
Tessier-Lavigne, Marc; San Francisco, CA, USA
Skarnes, William C.; Berkeley, CA, USA
Mitchell, Kevin; Albany, CA, USA
Leighton, Philip A.; San Francisco, CA, USA
This invention introduces gene trap vectors comprised of a polynucleotide consisting of a promoterless selectable marker and axon reporter encoding sequences for expressing targeted gene products in vertebrate neurons. The axon reporter encoding sequences are described as being operatively joined to an internal ribosome-entry site, and may comprise a splice acceptor site located 5′ to the selectable marker and axon reporter encoding sequences. Further disclosed are methods of expressing an axon reporter in a cell by transferring the vectors into an embryonic stem cell and incubating the cell under conditions whereby the cell or a progeny of the cell differentiates into a neuron comprising an axon or dendrites, such that the neuron expresses the axon reporter under the transcriptional control of the gene. Also provided are methods of detecting the axon reporter in the axon or dendrites. Further claims of the invention include neuronal specific expression which may be effected in binary systems. Therapeutic applications include the rapid screening of genes involved in establishing correct patterns of neuronal connectivity.
Application Number: US1998000191652
Date Filed: 11/13/98
Dated Published: 06/19/01
Assignee: The Regents of the University of California, Oakland, CA, USA